Computer prices continue to drop and get more powerful. I answer the question, "What should I buy?", many times every week. The answer seems to change about every six months. Today, I’m going to list my advice that should hold for at least six months:
Primary use is Internet, email, small games, and word processing:
- Any processor 512MB of RAM
- Any size hard drive
- Mimimum CDRW Drive
Primary use is as above + digital photography:
- Pentium IV (NOT Celeron) or AMD equivalant
- 1 GB of RAM Built-in card reader 100 GB Hard Drive DVD burner
- Separate video card (not built-in) or ability to add one
Uses are as above + video editing and/or high end games or other processor intensive program:
- 2 GB of RAM
- TWO 250 GB Hard Drives
- DVD Burner High end Pentium or AMD processor
- Minimum 128 MB Video Card
I don’t worry about the other specs in a computer as long as you meet these minimums for your particular use. Upgrading doesn’t make a lot of sense today unless your computer is less than three years old. And then, only upgrade inexpensive components like DVD burners, RAM, or an extra hard drive.
These are guidelines to get you started. If you need more specifics, give us a call on the show.
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